Maths

Maths – preparing us for the puzzle of life.

Maths - Meaningful Experiences for Every Learner
At Lisburne School, our maths curriculum is carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of all learners. We provide a bespoke and flexible programme that covers Pre-National Curriculum and National Curriculum skills, broken down into clear, measurable steps of progression. This approach supports precise planning, assessment and ensures every child makes meaningful progress based on their individual pathway.

We structure learning into focused blocks of Number, Geometry and Measure, taught on a two-week cycle to ensure time to embed knowledge, revisit core concepts and secure understanding. Formative assessment is used effectively to inform planning, identify next steps and ensure learning is responsive to each child’s achievements.

Number Sense and Calculation at the Heart of Learning
Developing early number sense and calculation strategies is central to our maths curriculum. Through concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches, we help children to understand mathematical concepts deeply and build a strong foundation for future learning. All pupils are provided with opportunities to practise and generalise maths strategies so they can apply them with confidence in new contexts.

Engaging, Multisensory and Inclusive Learning
Teaching and learning in maths is active, creative and highly engaging. We use multisensory approaches so that every child experiences maths through seeing, hearing, feeling and doing. A wide range of resources — including objects of reference, symbols, Makaton, sensory materials and concrete apparatus — are used to make learning memorable and meaningful.

Across lessons, children work in individual, paired and small-group settings with a consistent ‘I–WE–YOU’ approach to modelling and scaffolding. We also use TEACCH practices to support learners with autism, ensuring structured, visual and predictable learning experiences.

Real-Life Contexts and Cross-Curricular Links
Maths learning extends beyond the classroom. We adapt the environment to create risk-free opportunities to apply maths in meaningful contexts across the school day — from cooking and snack time to forest school, life skills, PE and life skills activities. These cross-curricular links help children see how maths supports them in everyday life.

We encourage practical, hands-on learning including sensory experiences, attention autism sessions and messy maths, tailored to individual needs. Communication is a central focus in every lesson as pupils are supported to express ideas, share reasoning and use their voice
to reflect on their learning.

Our aim is to develop resilient, persistent and confident learners who are curious about maths, enjoy problem-solving and can independently apply their skills in real-world situations.

Useful websites for home and school:
Primary Stars Play Games – https://plprimarystars.com/for-families/play-game
BBC Super Movers – https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers
MathsFrame Most Popular Activities – https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/category/22/most-popular

CBeebies Numeracy – https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/topics/numeracy
Math Playground – https://www.mathplayground.com/
Topmarks Maths Activities – https://www.topmarks.co.uk/Search.aspx?Subject=16
Crickweb KS1 Numeracy – http://www.crickweb.co.uk/ks1numeracy
Oxford Owl Fun Maths Games – https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/kids-activities/fun-maths-games-and-activities/
MathsBot – Online Manipulatives and Visual Resources https://mathsbot.com/manipulatives